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Innovative Acquires Polaris Library Systems

Combined Companies Feature Deep Public Library Expertise

Emeryville, CA—Innovative, a global leader in library technology, announced today that it has acquired Polaris Library Systems, a leading provider of technology to public libraries in the U.S. The combined companies will be led by Innovative CEO Kim Massana.

"This is the combination of two companies with complementary strengths that will allow us to better serve the technology needs of public libraries," says Kim Massana, CEO of Innovative. "We have appreciated and respected Polaris's focus on service and support, especially to public libraries, and we look forward to combining two great service organizations and learning from each other."

Bill Schickling, former Polaris President and CEO, will join Innovative as VP, Public Library Products, leveraging his industry knowledge and relationships. Other members of the Polaris executive team will join the Innovative management group and Polaris' current Syracuse, New York office will be retained and become one of Innovative's key centers for operations, along with Emeryville, California, Dublin, Ireland, and Noida, India.

"I am particularly proud of what we've accomplished here at Polaris over the past 11 years," says Schickling. "We're joining forces with Innovative because we think the combined company will provide Polaris customers with a long term partner for innovation and growth."

"We're fully committed to supporting the customers of both companies," Massana concludes. "By bringing our public library expertise under one roof, we will be sharing best practices and ultimately accelerating the pace of product development with a clear strategic direction for first-class products and services that will shape the industry."

Innovative (www.iii.com) is dedicated to providing leading technology solutions and services that empower libraries and enrich their users worldwide. Innovative offers one of the broadest and most complete portfolios of library automation products on the market today. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, Innovative serves thousands of libraries in 66 countries and has offices around the world.